Clean tech innovation competition open

Innovative clean tech companies have an opportunity to benefit and grow from the third annual Australian Clean Technologies Competition, which has already helped more than 50 companies commercialise their ideas and access new customer markets.

Launching the competition, the Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Senator Kate Lundy, said the competition was a great platform to develop and showcase Australian innovation.

“Finalists will be provided with mentoring from some of the country’s leading advisors on commercialisation, business modelling, funding solutions and successful techniques for pitch delivery,” Senator Lundy said.

“For the first time since the competition commenced in 2011, this year’s finalists will also be assisted to gain the skills and knowledge to participate in export markets and participate in a government-led trade mission to connect with customers in Asia.”

The 2012 competition winner, enLighten Australia, came fourth at the international Clean Technologies Open, held in Silicon Valley, as a result of its LED lighting products which provide energy savings of up to 93%.

Steve Cahill, enLighten Australia’s General Manager, said that the competition win had helped to further increase the company’s profile as an LED lighting innovator and assisted in securing projects and new customers.

The competition is a key initiative of the Clean Technologies Supplier Advocate, Dr Marc Newson, and the Supplier Advocate Program.

Supplier Advocates provide leadership in collaborating with industry to implement practical activities which develop and showcase the capabilities of Australian SMEs and help them access new markets.

Entries close on 3 June. For further information on participation in the Australian Clean Technologies Competition, visit www.cleantechcomp.com.au.